How do you begin to start travelling overseas and plan for the trip?

Question

This may seem like a weird question, but how do you start travelling overseas? I've been on planes and through airports several times, but I've never been overseas.

So, I guess my real question is how do you plan out a trip, reserve your hotel and get around in places where you don't speak the language of the country?

Maps, obviously are a big help, and learning a bit of the language.... But what about getting around the airport at the foreign country? Riding taxis? Or ordering food? I really want to travel in the future, but I'm not sure how I should begin.... Thanks!

Well, details as to where: I have many different destinations. But, true. I guess I'll need to give some details.

Italy, Hawaii (want to take my parents there), Costa Rica, China, Czech, Russia.

Those are a few of them. Thanks!

Answer 1

First, I'll state the obvious and let you know that your first step is obtaining a passport. You can usually get the forms from your local post office, and you will need a birth certificate and a few pictures you can obtain from any drugstore like Walgreens or CVS.

Next, do some research into the countries you want to visit. Decide what you are looking for--adventure travel, culture, history, parties, or a combo of all of the above. Look into forums like these for advice on places to visit.

Once you have an idea of the countries you'd like to visit and what you'd like to do there, start looking at local travel agencies or local guides. You can find hotels rated by regular people, not to mention open forums where you can ask questions and find out places to visit, on sites like TripAdvisor.com or on these Yahoo forums.

Now that you have everything in mind, plan for a time to visit according to either weather or seasonal prices. You can find cheap airfare on mobissimo.com--they search like 100 sites to find the best ones.

Once you have most of that planned out, go buy a Frommer's guide or other guide book to the country, and possibly a phrasebook. Try to find people in your area who speak the language of the countries you will be visiting to get a heads up on good words and pointers to know. Also, read the guide book and phrasebook before you leave--it makes life much easier when you know what to expect and how to handle different situations, like being served guinea pig in a restaurant.

Finally, have an open mind to new experiences, and realize that life is different abroad. Enjoy!

Answer 2

Friends often wonder how I travel internationally, so your question isn't that strange.

Most places, not remote villages, are accustomed to visitors from all around the world. You won't be able to hold lengthy conversations with a driver, but if you know the name of your hotel, or the name of your restaurant, or a tourist site, they will bring you there. If you are lucky to find someone that speaks relatively good English, you can ask if they will take you around privately, for a half day or so.

It is surprising the small things that can be frustrating - using a pay phone when you don't speak the local language is IMPOSSIBLE! I never exchange money, but instead withdraw from an ATM when I arrive. I have spent 4 days in Europe without a single Euro - just charged my way onto the trains, in the restaurants, at the hotel.

Planning - you must have some idea where you would like to travel, and from there I would suggest finding a tour company like Globus or Brennan and review their itinerarys. You don't have to shell out the money for the tour but at least seeing what they view as an interesting stop will help you plan. I used the bus tour map from one company as a guide for my own personal driving tour of the Grand Canyon/Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon/southwest area and it worked like a charm!

Good luck, happy travels!

Answer 3

The Internet can be your best friend in this case. Check out web sites such as Travelocity and Expedia, read the comments on certain hotels and such and make a decision that way. Also check out Virtual Tourist...very helpful.

You can also check different airline web sites to see what deals they have. Some places have airline/hotel packages.

My first trip abroad was with my university's French Department. The trip has expanded in recent years to allow anyone to come along with us, not just university students. (I'm co-tour leader now!) I'm addicted now. The trip to Paris was wonderful...great price, great location, etc.

Browse your library or book store and check out some of the books on your desired location. For Europe, I recommend Rick Steves' books. The man is a travel guru.

You can learn a few basic phrases in the language of the country you will be visiting. Get a phrase book. You can also go to Barnes & Noble and check out their Barnes & Noble University, take a foreign language class. It does help but you do have to buy the CDs.

If you wanted to go to Paris, I could help you with that...never been to Italy (though I really want to go some day!)

Anyhoo, check the Internet, Virtual Tourist, book store, your university to see if they are offering any trips. A travel agency in your area may be a good bet if you are apprehensive about traveling on your own.

Answer 4

This may not work for you, but it's what I did.

Years ago, I started chatting with people internationally. With some, I developed a trustworthy friendship over a very long length of time. They invited me to come visit and spend time with them. That's what I did. They lodged me, fed me, toured me, etc. Has been incredibly enriching. One of them ended up becoming my husband. I am with him in the Philippines as I write this.

Answer 5

The big ? is to were, What you need to do and how to do it changes from spot to spot if you have more details I can help I have been over most of this wonderful world

Answer 6

easy, go to the book store; check out lonely planets books. they help us out with all destinations we'd been to. have fun traveling.

Answer 7

go to expidia.com it has all inclusive